Enjoy ♡

The morning was quiet, unusually so. The kind of silence that felt untouched, like the world was still waking up, stretching its arms before the day truly began.

Jungkook stood alone in the grand dining hall. The chandeliers above shimmered dimly in the soft daylight, and the long mahogany table remained untouched, the breakfast yet to be served.

She was preparing tea—Taehyung's tea. A task so simple, yet one she handled with utmost care. The delicate clink of the porcelain cup against the saucer was the only sound accompanying her as she reached for the honey.

"Two spoons, not one." She muttered under her breath, recalling how he always complained when it wasn't sweet enough.

A slow smile ghosted her lips as she stirred, watching the golden liquid swirl into the dark depths of the tea. There was something oddly calming about it.

It was peaceful. And peace, these days, felt like a borrowed thing.

Just as she was about to lift it, a familiar warmth pressed into her back, his presence wrapping around her before his arms even did.

Taehyung let out a deep sigh as he approached Jungkook from behind, his arms automatically wrapping around her waist. His chin came to rest on her shoulder, warm breath fanning against her neck as he grumbled, "This stupid tie is testing my patience."

Jungkook chuckled, her hands still steady as she poured the tea into delicate cups. "For someone feared by an entire council, it's funny that a piece of fabric defeats you every morning."

Taehyung hummed, his lips curving against the curve of her neck. His grip on her waist tightened, fingers splaying over her stomach as if to anchor himself to her warmth. He shifted, letting his nose graze against her jaw before pressing a lazy, open-mouthed kiss against her skin.

Jungkook sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers pausing for the briefest moment before she exhaled through her nose. "You're distracting me," she muttered, but there was no real bite to her words.

"Am I?" he mused, voice a slow drag of honey and sin.

She felt his lips against her pulse next, featherlight but deliberate, as if he was testing how far he could push.

"You could use magic, you know," Jungkook tried again, her voice softer this time, almost breathless.

Taehyung scoffed, the sound vibrating against her throat as he nuzzled closer, pressing a kiss just beneath her ear.

"Magic? For something so small? Why would I waste my energy when I have you?" His voice was low, a slow murmur of heat and honey, seeping into her skin like sorcery.

Jungkook's silken curtains-like hair swayed lightly with the morning breeze, and Taehyung's face was veiled in soft shadows, his features painted in golden light. But Jungkook could feel him. Could feel the warmth of his body molding against her back, the solid press of his chest against her shoulder blades, the way his breath fanned over her neck with every teasing word.

Her freshly showered hair clung to her nape, stray strands curling against her skin. The scent of jasmine and orange blossoms lingered around her, wrapping around him, pulling him deeper into her warmth.

His lungs felt full of flowers, of the delicate essence that was uniquely Jungkook—soft, fresh, intoxicating.

Taehyung's eyes fluttered shut for a moment as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. His fingers skimmed down her arms, tracing over her wrist where a delicate bracelet rested.

Taehyung turned his head, letting a few damp strands of Jungkook's hair stick to his cheek as he lazily played with the bracelet, rolling the cool metal between his fingers. His other hand found Jungkook's, lacing their fingers together, like they were meant to fit this way, to mold into each other's spaces.

Jungkook exhaled shakily, the tea momentarily forgotten as Taehyung's thumb traced over the veins on the back of her hand.

"You're stalling," she murmured, though her voice held none of its usual sharpness.

Taehyung smirked against her skin, pressing another kiss just beneath her ear, lingering there for a second longer, breathing her in. "And you're letting me."

Jungkook hated how right he was.

She turned in his arms, facing him fully, her fingers unconsciously tightening around his. Her gaze trailed over him, taking in the sight before her. Taehyung stood effortlessly handsome in a sleek black shirt, the fabric hugging his broad shoulders and lean waist. The deep charcoal hue mirrored the darkness of his eyes—intense, unwavering, carrying that familiar gleam of amusement.

His tie, however, was a different story. Looped lazily around his collar, barely fastened, it hung in a loose, pathetic attempt of a knot, as if he had given up halfway.

Jungkook sighed, reaching up to flick the silk between her fingers. "Who used to tie your tie before marriage?" she asked, an eyebrow raised.

Taehyung puffed his chest slightly, pride evident in the smirk tugging at his lips. "Me, of course. Who else?"

Jungkook narrowed her eyes, tugging at the uneven knot, making him jerk slightly toward her. "And now you suddenly can't?"

Taehyung shamelessly leaned into her touch, his arms slipping around her waist once more. "Why would I, when I have my beautiful wife to do it for me?" His voice dipped lower, teasing yet smooth, like the silk of the very tie she was about to fix.

Jungkook scoffed, trying to ignore the way warmth curled in her stomach at the endearment. "You're ridiculous," she muttered, though she didn't pull away. Instead, she focused on undoing the mess he had made of the tie, her fingers brushing against the skin of his throat as she loosened the fabric.

Taehyung inhaled sharply, his hands instinctively gripping her waist tighter. Jungkook felt the way his breath hitched as her knuckles ghosted over his Adam's apple, felt the way his heart thrummed just beneath her fingertips.

The husband noticed his wife's pretty, pouty lips. Glossed with a faint sheen, they were parted slightly as she concentrated. A soft tint of pink colored them, the slight smudge at the corner making them all the more enticing.

He knew that gloss. Knew the faint taste of cocoa it always left behind when he stole kisses—

Jungkook tugged at the knot firmly, forcing Taehyung to lean in. He let himself fall forward easily, letting his lips brush against hers in a barely-there peck—so light it could almost be mistaken for an accidental brush.

Jungkook froze, her fingers tightening around the silk of his tie.

"Tsk, tsk, my love," Taehyung tutted, fingers slipping beneath her chin to tilt her face back up toward him. "If you wanted a kiss, you could've just asked. No need for all these tiny tricks."

Coming out of her reverie, Jungkook narrowed her eyes, scoffing. "Me?" she deadpanned, yanking at his tie again, deliberately pulling it too tight. "You're blaming me for your own cheesy tricks?"

Taehyung choked slightly at the sudden pull, coughing as he reached up to loosen the tight grip she had on his poor tie. "W-Wait, Mrs Kim, I—"

Jungkook huffed, loosening it just enough to let him breathe before muttering, "Serves you right."

Taehyung let out a dramatic sigh of relief, rubbing his throat before flashing her a sheepish grin. "So violent. How did I end up with such a fierce wife?"

Jungkook merely rolled her eyes, pulling the tie properly into place, this time with a little more force than necessary. Taehyung winced, but he obediently stood still, letting her finish her task.

Taehyung barely had time to react before Jungkook curled her delicate fingers around the silky length of his tie and yanked him forward, the motion sudden enough to make him stumble slightly, palms instinctively landing on the edge of the mahogany table behind her to steady himself. The space between them vanished in a breath.

Mischief sparkled in her starry eyes, the gleam unmistakable. Her lashes fluttered once, then lowered just enough to let a wicked little smirk curve her lips.

"If I wanted a kiss," Mrs Kim whispered, voice laced with syrup and teasing promise, "then I could've just taken it."

Her breath kissed his lips.
Her gaze dared him.
And then—
She kissed him.

Hard.

Taehyung let out a muffled grunt of surprise, eyes going wide for a split second, but his body surrendered almost immediately. Jungkook wasn't shy, not even a little. Her lips crashed into his with unapologetic hunger, one hand still gripping the tie like reins while the other slid up his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat beneath.

The silk tie strained under her grip as she held him captive—close, needy, hers.

Taehyung groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating between them. His hands moved—first to her waist, then around her completely, pressing her back into the table's edge as his lips answered hers with an urgency that wasn't there before. He kissed her back, slower at first, savoring her boldness—but then deeper, more possessive, more... claiming.

Jungkook's fingers flexed against his chest as he tilted his head, changing the angle, his nose brushing hers. Her lips parted, and he took full advantage, tongue brushing against hers in a molten clash that made her knees wobble.

The porcelain cups on the table rattled quietly behind Jungkook , nudged by the slight shift of weight as Taehyung wedged himself between hers. The polished wood was cold against the backs of her waist, but the heat between them was enough to set her skin ablaze.

Her other hand slipped up to his jaw, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth as she broke the kiss. Her lips were flushed, slightly swollen, gloss long gone. Taehyung's eyes—dark, half-lidded, kissed by shadows and want—locked onto hers like they were the only thing that existed in this world.

He licked his bottom lip slowly, tasting her, the faint cocoa, then leaned in close again, his voice rough with tease.

"I'd lose to a tie every day," he murmured, voice barely above a whisper, "if it means having you this close to me each morning."

Jungkook felt her determination waver, felt the heat creep up her neck. She inhaled deeply, pulling her hand back with an exaggerated sigh. "Your tea is getting cold, husband."

Taehyung smirked, but instead of letting her go, he leaned down, brushing the tip of his nose against hers in a featherlight touch.

"Then maybe you should feed it to me, wifey."

Jungkook blinked, caught between his playful smirk and the absurd suggestion that somehow still managed to make her stomach flutter.

"Feed it to you?" the wife scoffed, lips quirking upward in disbelief. "What are you—a toddler?"

Taehyung didn't move back. If anything, he leaned in further, his breath grazing her cheek as he whispered, "Just a very lucky man with an enchanting wife."

Jungkook bit her bottom lip, hard, to stop the smile trying to rise. Her fingers twitched with the urge to shove him away—and yet her hand ended up landing on his chest instead, nails grazing his skin lightly as she shoved the smallest distance between them.

He didn't budge. Not really.

"You're delulu."

He chuckled, brushing her hair aside so he could press a soft kiss to her neck. "I'm in love."

Her breath hitched—just for a second—and the fight slipped from her limbs. She felt the grin on his lips as he kissed her again, slower this time, the warmth of it spreading through her like sunlight.

"You're lucky I like you,"

"I'm lucky you married me," he whispered back, eyes softening for real now.

For a brief moment, there were no teasing words. Just a quiet hush. Warm breath. Familiar hearts.

And then—
The sudden sound from the main hall shattered their little bubble of warmth—a loud thud, followed by an overly dramatic groan.

Jungkook sighed, already recognizing the voice before it even called out.

"Oh, come on! Just let me—ugh, fine! I won't let go!"

Then, a feminine voice, breathless and slightly exasperated. "Yeonjun! You're suffocating me, you idiot!"

Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged a look.

Jungkook raised a brow. "Should we be concerned?"

Taehyung sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I don't know, but it's too early for Yeonjun's nonsense."

Still, curiosity got the better of them. Jungkook placed a light hand on Taehyung's wrist, and with fingers loosely intertwined, they made their way towards the main hall.

The scene that greeted them was... expected, yet still ridiculous.

Yeonjun stood in the middle of the grand hall, arms wrapped around a girl neither of them had seen before. She was breathtaking—long wavy hair cascading down her back, a delicate one-piece dress that hugged her figure, her skin glowing under the soft morning light. She had the look of someone who belonged in an expensive perfume Ads—elegant yet effortlessly seductive.

Jungkook's gaze flickered to Taehyung immediately.

Because if there was one thing about men, it was that they had no shame.

She didn't even have to say anything—her glare was ready. If Taehyung so much as gawked at the woman, if his eyes so much as strayed for a second too long, she would be setting his tie on fire with magic.

But when jungkook turned to him, ready to strike, she found him already staring—at her.

Not the woman in the beautiful dress.

Her.

His gaze was unwavering, deep and dark with delight. His lips curled into the smallest smirk, like he knew exactly what she was about to do and had been waiting for it.

Jungkook felt heat rush to her face, her fingers instinctively tightening around his wrist.

Taehyung leaned down, voice low, teasing. "Were you about to glare at me, my love?"

Jungkook scoffed, not willing to back down just yet. "Why would I?"

Taehyung's smirk grew, his grip on her hand firm but easy, as if he had all the time in the world to deal with her adorable jealousy.

"I wouldn't know," he murmured, his voice dripping with tease. "But it's interesting how quickly you checked."

Jungkook rolled her eyes, faking indifference, but the pink on her cheeks was unmistakable. She tried to tug her hand away, but Taehyung didn't let her. He tugged her closer instead—so subtly, so naturally, that it looked like a simple shift of weight.

"I didn't check," she muttered under her breath, glaring ahead, avoiding his face entirely.

"No?" Taehyung's tone was all velvet and trouble. "You looked like you were ready to hex me into ash."

Her lips twitched, nearly betraying her. "Well, excuse me for assuming my husband might be a little distracted by all that glowing skin and wind-blown hair."

He leaned in again, brushing his lips near the shell of her ear. "The only glow I care about is the one on your face when you get flustered like this."

Jungkook sucked in a sharp breath. That wasn't fair. That definitely wasn't fair.

Before she could come up with a suitably scathing response, Yeonjun's voice snapped them both out of their little moment.

"Hyung! Sil! Good morning!"

Jungkook turned back to Yeonjun, who was grinning like a fool, his arms still loosely around the woman. "Don't mind me, just bringing home a lost angel from last night's club adventure."

The girl rolled her eyes, pushing against Yeonjun's chest. "I'm not lost. You insisted on dropping me off."

Taehyung sighed, straightening his tie. "Yeonjun, do you ever think before you act?"

Yeonjun blinked, then grinned wider. "Not really. Keeps life exciting."

Taehyung exhaled deeply, crossing his arms, slipping seamlessly into big brother mode as he eyed Yeonjun with that signature disapproving older-brother stare.

"Where were you all night?" he asked, voice flat. "Library?"

Yeonjun scoffed immediately, as if he was the one offended. "Library? Me? Please, hyung, be serious."

Taehyung tilted his head, unimpressed. "Then?"

Yeonjun grinned, shrugging. "The club, obviously."

Jungkook, who had been observing quietly, narrowed her eyes. "The club?"

"Yeah," Yeonjun said, stretching his arms with a yawn. "Didn't get any sleep, so I figured—why not go out?"

That was when Jungkook, with her big, innocent eyes, slowly turned to Taehyung, expression deceptively soft. She clasped her hands together, tilting her head slightly.

"Mr. Kim," she started, voice sweet—too sweet, "did you also go to clubs before marriage?"

Taehyung crossed his arms over his chest and answered smoothly, "No, I used to sleep around nine."

Jungkook blinked. Then blinked again.

Yeonjun snorted. "Nine?" he echoed, grinning like he had just won the lottery. "Hyung, what were you, a grandpa?"

Taehyung shot him a glare. "Some of us had responsibilities."

Yeonjun waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. You were a saint before marriage." He turned to Jungkook, his grin widening. "But Sil, don't you think that sounds suspiciously well-rehearsed? Like something a man would say to avoid sleeping in the guest room tonight?"

Jungkook hummed thoughtfully, eyeing Taehyung. "It does sound a little too perfect."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes at Yeonjun, clearly unimpressed. "Don't turn the conversation on me when you are the one in the question circle."

Yeonjun gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. "Hyung, how could you? I thought we were brothers in arms!"

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "We are, which is why I'm giving you one last chance to explain before I kick you out myself."

Yeonjun sighed, defeated. "Fine, fine. Long story short, I met this lovely lady at the club, she missed her ride, and I, being the absolute gentleman that I am, graciously offered to drop her home."

Jungkook raised a brow. "And yet, she is here."

Yeonjun scratched the back of his head. "Okay, technically, I got distracted and ended up crashing here instead—but my heart was in the right place."

The girl was bored with the conversation and glanced up from her phone and let her gaze linger on Taehyung for a second too long. Her eyes trailed over his sharp jawline, the perfectly styled hair, his black shirt stretching deliciously across his broad frame—

And Jungkook noticed.

Her fingers, which had been resting lightly on Taehyung's arm, tightened in an instant. Before Taehyung could even react, she pulled him closer, wrapping both arms around his bicep in a clear display of ownership.

Taehyung raised a brow, amused. The girl, catching Jungkook's silent warning, merely smirked and looked away.

Yeonjun, of course, lived for this. He grinned. "Ohhh, someone's territorial."

Jungkook ignored him, resting her head casually against Taehyung's shoulder as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Taehyung, thoroughly entertained, played along, lifting a hand to stroke the back of her palm in slow circles.

"Darling," he murmured, low enough for only her to hear, "you do realize I didn't even look at her, right?"

Jungkook tilted her chin up, eyes still on the girl. "Doesn't matter."

Taehyung bit back a chuckle.

Yeonjun groaned dramatically. "Oh my God, can you two not do this in front of me?"

Taehyung smirked, finally looking at him. "Then why are you looking?"

Yeonjun gasped. "Hyung, don't steal my lines—"

Jungkook, still pressed against Taehyung, turned to Yeonjun with a deadpan expression. "Shouldn't you be dropping off your 'friend' somewhere?"

The girl beside him let out an unimpressed sigh. "Yeah, I'd love to leave now, thanks."

Yeonjun pouted. "Wow, the betrayal."
Nevertheles, he led the girl towards the exit and Jungkook finally loosened her hold on Taehyung—only for him to immediately tug her back.

"What?" Jungkook asked, feigning innocence.

Taehyung smirked, leaning down, lips brushing her ear. "Nothing. I just really like it when you pull me closer."

Jungkook definitely melted this time. But she recovered just as fast.

With a small huff, she placed both hands on Taehyung's chest and pushed him back. "Go teach your brother some manners instead of standing here and flirting with me."

Taehyung blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Excuse me?"

Jungkook crossed her arms. "You are the older brother, aren't you?"

Taehyung sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately."

Before Jungkook could retort, Yeonjun's voice rang from the entrance. "Hey! I do have manners. I just choose not to use them."

Jungkook and Taehyung turned to see Yeonjun grinning as he held the door open for the girl, who looked so done with him.

"See?" Yeonjun added, glancing back at them. "Perfect gentleman."

Jungkook rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure. Now hurry up and go."

The girl wasted no time stepping out, but Yeonjun hesitated, looking over his shoulder with a smirk. "Sil, don't miss me too much, okay?"

Jungkook grabbed the nearest cushion and launched it at him.

Yeonjun yelped, dodging at the last second before slipping out the door. "Love you both! Byeee!"

The moment the door shut behind him, Jungkook let out a long breath, finally relaxing. Taehyung, however, was still watching her with a knowing look.

"What?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

His smirk returned, slow and teasing. "You were jealous."

Jungkook gasped, scandalized. "I was not!"

Taehyung hummed, unconvinced. "Mmm. Sure, wifey."

Jungkook scowled, stepping forward to poke his chest. "I was protecting you."

Taehyung chuckled, catching her hand with ease. "From what? A girl looking at me?"

Jungkook faltered for a second. "...From potential homewreckers."

Taehyung grinned. "Homewreckers, huh?"

"Yes."

His grip on her hand tightened slightly, tugging her closer. "You do know that the only person who can wreck me is you, right?"

Jungkook's breath hitched, heart stuttering in her chest.

Taehyung leaned down, voice dropping into something almost sinful. "And honestly, I wouldn't even mind."

Jungkook froze.

And Taehyung just smirked, turning to walk away as if he hadn't just left her standing there, completely wrecked.

The nerve of him.

Jungkook stomped into the kitchen, cheeks burning, lips pressed into a pout so deep it could slice granite.

Taehyung occupied his usual seat at the dining table, leaning back slightly as he watched Jungkook disappear into the kitchen. A small smirk lingered on his lips—he knew he had flustered her, and he was thoroughly enjoying it.

Jungkook, on the other hand, was aggressively pretending not to be affected. She moved around the kitchen with more force than necessary, yanking open cabinets like it had personally offended her.

Taehyung barely looked up from his phone when Yeonjun plopped down beside him at the dining table. But then he did a double take, brows raising. "Dropped this early?"

Yeonjun smirked, casually reaching for an apple from the fruit bowl. "I didn't drop her. She dropped me at Kim Manor."

Taehyung's brow arched higher. "She dropped you?"

Yeonjun took a dramatic bite of the apple, chewing leisurely. "Yep. Just because Sil was here, I had to maintain my image."

Taehyung scoffed, placing his phone down. "Image?" He leaned back, arms crossed. "And what exactly is this image you've made in front of your Sil? Bringing girls home?"

Yeonjun clicked his tongue, shaking his head like Taehyung had just asked the dumbest question in the world. "Bro, I don't bring them. They come behind me."

Taehyung raised a brow. "That makes it sound worse."

Yeonjun held up a finger. "No, no, Hyung. It's simple logic."

Taehyung sighed. "Here we go."

Yeonjun straightened, suddenly looking very much like a professor about to start a lecture. "See, women are mysterious creatures, but their attraction to me is not a mystery. It's science."

Taehyung deadpanned. "Science?"

Yeonjun nodded. "Absolutely. Now pay attention, because this is Professor Yeonjun's Intelligence on Girls 101."

Taehyung groaned, rubbing his temples. "I don't want to—"

"Rule number one," Yeonjun continued, completely ignoring Taehyung. "If you ignore them, they chase you."

Taehyung scoffed. "You don't ignore them."

Yeonjun smirked. "Exactly. That's the trick. I pretend to ignore them just enough to make them intrigued."

Taehyung blinked, unimpressed. "So, you play hard to get?"

Yeonjun pointed at him. "Bingo." He sat back smugly. "Women love a challenge."

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "This is stupid."

Yeonjun sighed dramatically. "Hyung, you've been married too long. You don't understand the battlefield anymore."

"The battlefield?"

Yeonjun nodded gravely. "The dating world is war, Hyung. And I—" he gestured to himself, "—am a veteran."

Taehyung let out a long, suffering sigh. "I should call Jungkook here."

Yeonjun immediately grabbed his wrist. "No!"

Taehyung smirked. "Why? Afraid your science will be disproven?"

Yeonjun scoffed, tossing his hair back. "Of course not. But I must protect my reputation."

Taehyung shook his head. "You mean your fake reputation?"

Yeonjun winked. "Fake or not, it works."

Taehyung's mind clicked. He squinted at Yeonjun, his fingers tapping against the table as he leaned forward.

"Wait... really?" he asked, suddenly looking a little too intrigued. "If we ignore them, they come?"

Yeonjun smirked like a master passing down forbidden knowledge. "Absolutely." He adjusted his posture, adopting a wise, all-knowing expression. "Women are naturally drawn to a mystery. If you act too eager, they run. But if you act unbothered—" he snapped his fingers, "—they crumble."

Taehyung hummed, tilting his head. "Interesting."

Yeonjun nodded sagely. "Very interesting."

There was a beat of silence.

Taehyung didn't say anything, but his mind was already racing.

Ignore Jungkook and she'll come after me?

His gaze flickered toward the kitchen where his very pretty wife was currently occupied, completely unaware of the dangerous experiment forming in her husband's mind.

Taehyung fought the urge to smirk. What if I try it?

Every day, he showered Jungkook with attention—pulling her close, complimenting her, stealing kisses whenever he could. But what if, just for fun, he didn't? What if, instead of looking at her like she personally placed the stars in the sky, he simply... ignored her?

Would she notice? Would she get annoyed? Would she come to him?

His fingers twitched, his usual instinct to reach out to her kicking in, but he stopped himself.

No.

He would test this. Just for a little while.

Yeonjun caught the subtle shift in Taehyung's expression and immediately narrowed his eyes. "Wait. Wait. Hyung—no. Don't even think about it."

But it was too late. Taehyung was already leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, lips twitching with barely concealed amusement.

Yeonjun pointed a threatening finger at him. "Hyung, listen to me. This tactic only works when you're single. You are married. To a woman who will actually kill you."

Taehyung hummed absentmindedly, not listening. Instead, he was already making plans.

Step one: Don't compliment her when she fixes her hair.
Step two: Don't immediately pull her into his arms when she sits next to him.
Step three: Don't—

"Hyung."

Taehyung blinked. Yeonjun was staring at him suspiciously. "You're not thinking anything stupid, right?"

Taehyung smiled, the picture of innocence. "Of course not."

Yeonjun squinted, but before he could interrogate further, Jungkook's soft footsteps echoed from the kitchen.

Taehyung straightened.

Time for the experiment to begin.

Jungkook walked in, holding a plate of freshly cut fruits, completely unaware of the chaos brewing in her husband's mind. She placed it on the table, wiping her hands on spare tissue paper before glancing at Taehyung, expecting the usual—his lazy smirk, his arms pulling her onto his lap, his inevitable flirtatious remark about how she looked too pretty to be working in the kitchen.

But instead... nothing.

Taehyung didn't even glance at her.

Jungkook blinked. Weird.

She cleared her throat. "Eat the fruits before breakfast is served."

Taehyung glanced at the plate—just the plate, not her—and gave her a small nod. "Thanks, love."

And then—he went back to his phone.

Jungkook stiffened.

Yeonjun, watching from the sidelines, very wisely stuffed more apple into his mouth, eyes darting between them like he was witnessing an actual battle unfold.

Jungkook narrowed her eyes. This was unusual. She was used to Taehyung acting like she was the only person in the room. But today? He was acting like she was just air.

Jungkook was many things—strong, sharp-tongued, and independent. But she was also Taehyung's spoiled wife. She was used to his attention, his lazy touches, his compliments. This? This sudden ignorance?

Absolutely not.

Yeonjun, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with growing amusement, barely holding back his laugh.

Hyung really wants to die.

Later, in the bedroom.

Jungkook walked into the bedroom, holding two sets of curtains—one in a soft champagne color, the other a deep navy blue. She stopped beside Taehyung, who was seated on the couch, his coat discarded over the armrest, sleeves rolled up, tie still clinging loosely around his neck. His sharp features were half-hidden behind the spread pages of a newspaper.

Tilting her head, Jungkook shifted the fabric in her hands. "Mr Kim, Which one should we put up?"

Taehyung had the sudden urge to answer—to pull the champagne one from her hands, hold it up to the light, and say something charming like "This one matches the glow of your skin."
But he didn't.

He blinked once, then let the pages of the newspaper rustle purposefully as he turned a page.

"Whichever you like," he replied, his voice deep and even, not lifting his gaze.

Jungkook's eyes narrowed. She stepped a little closer, letting the silky champagne fabric trail down her arm deliberately, her tone feigning innocence. "But you always have an opinion, Mr. Kim. You hate navy in warm lighting, remember?"

Taehyung's jaw clenched the slightest bit—but he didn't show it.

Instead, he lowered the paper just enough to reveal his unreadable eyes. "I trust your taste."

He raised the paper again.
Jungkook took a sharp inhale. She glanced at the newspaper, then back at him. Her lips pursed. "Kim Taehyung."

"Hmm?"

Her patience thinned. "If you don't answer me properly—"

"You always make good choices, Mrs Kim," he interrupted smoothly, still absorbed in his reading. "I trust your judgment."

Jungkook exhaled sharply, shifting the fabric in her grip. "Fine," she muttered, turning on her heel. "I'll decide myself."

Jungkook huffed as she placed the curtains on the small chair. Without sparing Taehyung another glance, she dragged the stool toward the window, determined to handle it herself.

Taehyung, still holding his newspaper, peeked over the top, watching as she adjusted the stool and stepped onto it, balancing on her toes. His brows twitched slightly. Jungkook reached up, her fingers fumbling with the old curtain rod, her frustration evident in the way she huffed under her breath.

Taehyung watched silently, waiting.

Jungkook exhaled sharply and turned back to the curtain, muttering under her breath as she struggled with the hooks. The wife bit her lip, her arms stretching further. Taehyung's eyes flickered toward her again, just in time to see her struggle. His hand curled into a fist.

Then—

Jungkook let out a tiny frustrated sound, struggling with the stubborn curtain hook. As she stretched, the stool below wobbled slightly making Jungkook gasp. The fabric slipped from her grasp, and for a split second, all she could do was squeeze her eyes shut, bracing for impact.

But instead of meeting the cold, hard floor, she felt a sudden weightlessness—her body lifted effortlessly, strong arms securing her before she could fall.

At the same time, the curtain she had been handling slipped from its hooks, cascading down like a silken waterfall.

And suddenly, they were enclosed.

The soft fabric draped over them, forming a delicate cocoon of golden light. The room outside faded away, and all that remained was the quiet space between them—their own little world beneath the veil of the fallen curtain.

Jungkook's breath hitched, her hands clutching onto the front of Taehyung's shirt as she looked up at him, wide-eyed. His arms were still around her, one hand firm on her back, the other cradling the back of her kness as if shielding her from an invisible force.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The curtain swayed around them like a gentle lullaby. The champagne fabric filtered the golden morning light, casting a warm glow across Taehyung's sharp cheekbones and Jungkook's flushed cheeks. Time slowed beneath that veil—like the world outside had paused just to let this moment stretch.

Taehyung looked down at her, eyes softening. The teasing glint was gone, replaced with something quieter, deeper. His gaze traveled over her features—the curve of her lashes, the way her lips parted slightly as if to speak but no words came out, the way her chest rose and fell against his own.

"Why are you always like this?" he murmured, voice low—not angry, but heavy, weighed down by something far deeper. "So reckless with yourself. Like you don't even think twice."

His words weren't harsh. They trembled on the edge of worry, of something that had clenched tight in his throat the moment he'd seen her about to fall.

"What if I hadn't been there?" he whispered, gaze burning into hers. "What then?"

Jungkook looked up at him, eyes wide—startled not by the question, but by the way it was asked.

She tilted her head slightly, her voice soft, almost puzzled. "But why wouldn't you be?"

Taehyung froze. Her fingers, still resting against his chest, clenched slightly in the fabric of his shirt—like she was grounding herself, or maybe him.

Jungkook lowered her gaze, lashes trembling as she clung to him. Her voice came out raw, like something fragile breaking free from the depths of her chest.

"You said once..." Jungkook paused, her breath catching. "That no matter what, you'd always be there."

"I did say that," Taehyung murmured, the words falling between them like a promise being dusted off and offered again.

Jungkook's lashes fluttered, brushing against her cheeks as she inhaled shakily, her breath brushing warm against his jaw. Taehyung's throat bobbed with a swallow.

"I still mean it," he added, his voice low and rough with emotion—like the words cost him something to say, and yet, he offered them freely.

His gaze dropped to her lips, then her eyes again, hesitant but drawn. Slowly, gently, he bent his head—not to kiss her, but to rest his forehead against hers. His nose brushed hers, a soft nudge, of closeness without demands.

Under the hush of the fallen curtain, time softened.

"You don't ever have to wonder my love," he whispered, closing his eyes. "You call, I come. Always."

Taehyung gently set Jungkook down on the floor, his hands lingering just a second longer than necessary. But before he could fully step back, the golden curtain—once their secret cocoon—slipped past their silhouettes like silk, pooling around them in a dramatic reveal.

There they stood—flushed, breathless, and entirely too close.

Taehyung's tie hung loose around his neck, his sleeves rolled, collar rumpled from the impromptu rescue. Jungkook looked up at him with round eyes, her lips still faintly swollen, her chest rising and falling quickly.

And then... her expression changed.

Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout—soft, wounded, and utterly heart-melting.

"Why are you being like this...?" she asked, voice small and trembling with unshed emotion. "You didn't even look at me earlier. Not when I asked about the curtains. Not when I walked in the room. You just kept reading your stupid newspaper like I wasn't even there!"

Taehyung's eyes widened.

Oh no.

Jungkook stood still for a second, blinking up at him, before she crossed her arms, her lips pressing into an unmistakable pout. Taehyung's pulse quickened. He knew that look. That expression. That very specific tilt of her head, the way her brows furrowed just enough to emphasize the disappointment brewing in her big, round eyes.

He was in trouble.

"Why were you ignoring me?" she asked her voice holding accusation, the kind that sent a shiver of panic down his spine.

Taehyung opened his mouth—then closed it.

Panic set in. He had to explain himself, but how? If he admitted it was all part of a poorly executed plan, she'd be even more upset.

His mind raced. Think, Taehyung. Think.

Without thinking, Taehyung blurted out, "Ignoring can bring you closer."

Jungkook's brows knitted in confusion. "What?"

Taehyung clenched his jaw. He had committed. There was no turning back now.

"Ignoring someone..." he continued, voice taking on a solemn, wise tone, "creates distance... which then creates longing... which then—" he inhaled deeply, choosing his words carefully, "—pulls them closer than before."

Jungkook blinked. Once. Twice.

Then, realization dawned.

"Wait." She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. "Are you saying you ignored me on purpose?"

Taehyung swallowed. "Strategically."

Jungkook looked at him. And looked some more.
Blankly.

As if trying to decode if he was joking or if he had genuinely lost his mind somewhere between the boardroom and the bedroom.

And then—suddenly—her mouth opened in a sharp gasp. "You strategically ignored me?"

Taehyung gave her a hopeful half-smile.

Jungkook exhaled sharply, her hands going to her hips. "Kim Taehyung."

Taehyung straightened. "Yes?"

"Who," she demanded, "told you that?"

Taehyung faltered. His mind screamed, abort mission, but it was too late.

Jungkook had already put the pieces together. Her lips parted in understanding, and then—

She gasped. "Yeonjun?"

Taehyung flinched.

Jungkook's jaw dropped, her hands flying up in exasperation. "You took Yeonjun's advice?"

Taehyung tried to look confident—CEO mode—but it was hard when your tiny, furious wife was looking at you like you just signed a million-dollar deal with a crayon.

Then, Jungkook inhaled deeply, exhaled even slower, and poked his chest. "Next time?"

Taehyung nodded, awaiting his ruin.

Jungkook leaned in, voice deceptively sweet. "If you ignore me again..." She smiled.

Taehyung swallowed. "Yes?"

Jungkook patted his chest, tilting her head. "I will personally drag you out of this house and drop you off at a very heavily packed club."

Taehyung paled.

Jungkook stepped back, crossing her arms. "Do you understand?"

Taehyung nodded. "Understood."

Jungkook narrowed her eyes, scanning his expression for any sign of resistance. When she found none, she finally turned on her heel, heading toward the dresser.

Taehyung exhaled in relief. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Maybe Yeonjun's advice wasn't the greatest. Maybe he shouldn't have listened to a man who thought three-day relationships counted as "long-term." Maybe ignoring Jungkook had been a stupid idea.

But at the very least...

It meant he got to see her like this.

With her cheeks puffed slightly, lips pushed forward in a perfect pout, eyes narrowed. He watched her from behind, the way her pretty hair swayed with each step, the way her dainty fingers yanked open the dresser drawer like it owed her money. The pout was still visible in her reflection through the mirror, and Taehyung nearly smiled.

His wife. She could command rooms, shut down arguments with a look, reduce grown men to silence. And here she was—pissed off because her husband dared to go a few hours without showering her in affection.

He pressed his lips together, resisting the urge to wrap his arms around her from behind. The urge was real, but so was the memory of her threat.

He absolutely hated clubs. The noise. The flashing lights. The utter lack of personal space.

And Jungkook knew it.

She'd chosen that threat like an assassin picks their sharpest blade.

"You're thinking something stupid again," Jungkook muttered, still turned away but sensing the change in atmosphere.

Taehyung blinked. "I'm not."

"You are," she said, pulling out a pair of earrings and examining them way too intently. "You've got that smirk face. The one you wear right before doing something that makes me want to throw my sandal at you."

Taehyung took a slow step forward, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Domestic violence, Mrs. Kim? Over a smirk?"

Jungkook turned her head slightly, one brow raised. "Over a pattern of smirks that lead to questionable life choices."

He moved closer. "Questionable?"

She gave a pointed look. "You ignored your wife, Kim Taehyung. That's not questionable. That's criminal neglect in this household."

He was behind her now, hands slowly creeping around her waist. Jungkook narrowed her pretty eyes at the path Taehyung's finger traced.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, pressing his chin lightly to her shoulder. "I won't try stupid science again."

Jungkook hummed, not immediately leaning into him. "Hmm. We'll see."

Taehyung's lips lingered against the curve of her neck, his voice low and breathy. "Forgive me?"

Jungkook didn't answer right away.

Instead, she slowly raised her eyes to meet his through the reflection of the mirror. Her expression was unreadable at first like she was still weighing the severity of his crime. The soft golden light of the bedroom cast a gentle glow on her skin, highlighting the delicate arch of her brows and the subtle pout still present on her lips.

"That depends," Jungkook said, voice smooth as silk, eyes holding his like they were measuring the weight of his penance.

Taehyung moved closer, pressing his chest flush against her back, one arm slowly wrapping around her waist, the other rising to brush her hair gently over one shoulder. His knuckles grazed her collarbone, his fingers were slow and deliberate as if he already knew the answer and was trying to earn it piece by piece.

Jungkook shivered slightly under his touch. "And on what?" he whispered, as if coaxing the words from her.

She tilted her head, letting him nuzzle into the crook of her neck, her smile curling wicked and beautiful as she whispered, "Spoiling me rotten."

Taehyung's lips quirked into a grin against her skin, his grip around her waist tightening slightly.

"With pleasure," he breathed.

He turned her gently, guiding her to face him fully. Her fingers instinctively curled around the front of his shirt, fisting the soft fabric as he leaned in closer—nose brushing hers, foreheads nearly touching.

His hands slid slowly along her sides, not rushed—like he was savoring the very act of touching her again after so many torturous minutes of self-imposed distance. Jungkook leaned into him finally, her arms locking around his neck, pulling him closer.

"No more experiments?" she asked against his lips.

Taehyung smiled, tilting his head, the tip of his nose brushing hers. "Only the kind that end with you laid on the bed, beneath me."

Jungkook gasped softly, a flustered sound that died into a giggle as he kissed her again—this time coaxing out every ounce of her forgiveness with each press of his mouth against hers.

And just like that, the failed science was forgotten.
Replaced with the only equation Taehyung would ever truly believe in:

Jungkook + spoiled + kissed breathless = peace restored.